Investigating Advanced Traffic Signal Control

Until recently, the main impediment to improvements in traffic signal systems has been the limited ability of available fixed-point detectors to measure the true state of the traffic network and its response to signal changes. Now, the widespread availability of traffic probe data can provide real-time measures of effectiveness that allow objective signal control and measurable improvements in the efficiency of the traffic network.

A study on “Advanced Traffic Signal Control Algorithms,” focuses on the concept of vehicle-to-infrastructure cooperation via the Intelligent Transportation Systems initiative. The study is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program in partnership with California Department of Transportation, University of California (UC) at Berkeley, the BMW Group, and University of California at Riverside.

The study is expected to provide comprehensive real-time information on the movements of vehicles throughout an entire road network, lead to the reduction of fuel consumption, and address the significant problem of congestion along arterial routes. More information is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/advancedresearch/pubs/11044/index.cfm.

This video shows a test of eco signal operations at UC Berkeley’s Richmond Field Station. The signal phase and timing information of a traffic signal is communicated to a vehicle over a 4GLTE network link. Based on the vehicle’s engine and gear maps, an optimal speed trajectory is calculated by an advanced traffic signal control algorithm that allows the vehicle to pass an intersection with minimal fuel consumption.